Overview
Laser lipolysis is one of the latest technologies to be used in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Also known as Smart Lipo, laser lipolysis offers increasingly noninvasive techniques and procedures for a multitude of cosmetic and plastic surgery treatments abroad. Advantages of laser lipolysis include less downtime, less discomfort, and less damage to tissues, as well as increased safety and less scarring than any other type of plastic surgery procedure.

Who Benefits from Laser Lipolysis Procedures?
Any individual who needs a limited amount of plastic or cosmetic surgery is an ideal candidate for laser lipolysis. This procedure is minimally invasive and is most often performed under a local anesthetic. For individuals who experience small areas of fat resistant to diet or exercise, such as excess skin along the jaw line or under the chin, or individuals who suffer from a bit of excess flab or skin on the back of the arms, over the abdomen, or around the buttocks, will find  benefits in laser lipolysis treatment. Individuals in general good health and within normal body weight ranges are the best candidates for this type of procedure.

Laser Lipolysis Procedures
Laser lipolysis has been used in South America and Europe since the mid-1990s, although the actual technique for laser liposuction was developed in the 1960s. Such laser treatments enable surgeons to target areas of fat, which enhances removal in a process that offers reduced swelling or edema, pain, and tissue trauma or damage.

Throughout Europe and South America, laser lipolysis is also known as LipoLite, Smart Lipo, Syneron and Cynosure. It's also known as CoolLipo or CoolTouch. Laser lipolysis offers microscopic alteration of fat tissues by encouraging the rupture of fat cells, which can then be easily removed via a small cannula or tube that contains a laser fiber. Energy from the laser fiber causes the fat cells to rupture and drain. This laser treatment also encourages the coagulation of blood vessels that reduces bruising and promotes skin tightening, faster recovery time and minimal side effects.

Laser Lipolysis Treatments
The most commonly treated areas for laser lipolysis treatments include small areas of the face and neck such as jowls, the back of arms, above the knees, the back above and below the bra strap area, lower abdominal regions, and any other area on the body where individuals experience and suffer from flabby or loose skin. Laser lipolysis has also been used as an effective treatment for gynecomastia, or male breast development.

In most cases, individuals usually only need one treatment, in sessions that last from about 45 minutes to an hour for each area treated. Patients who have undergone laser lipolysis are advised to rest a couple of days, but then may return to work or daily activities right away.
The technique utilizes conventional liposuction laser fibers, usually with 975, 980, and 320 nm laser fibers to reduce bruising and recuperation time. Most commonly, choices for laser lipolysis include the SlimLipo, SmoothLipo, and CoolLipo techniques, which typically treat areas such as love handles, upper and lower back areas, neck and chin, hips, thighs and knees.

Cost of Laser Lipolysis
In the United States, most cosmetic and plastic surgical procedures are not covered by medical insurance plans. Laser lipolysis treatments and costs will vary depending on body location and severity of the issue to be treated. In most cases, cost of Smart Lipo or laser lipolysis in the United States is roughly between $2,000 and $4,000 per treatment area.

Typical liposuction techniques and surgeries generally cost about $6,500 per treatment area. However, medical travelers to such destinations as Latin America or Asia generally save between 30% and 75% on the cost of the same surgical techniques and procedures found in the United States.

Choosing a Surgeon
Choosing a surgeon for any type of procedure requires careful thought and research. Make sure that plastic or cosmetic surgeons are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or accredited organization or societies for aesthetic plastic surgery in his or her country of origin. The surgeon of your choice should also be experienced and certified in laser lipolysis techniques and be able to show before and after pictures of successful cases. Make sure facilities, both inpatient and outpatient, are accredited or inspected by health care and maintenance organizations or associations both domestically and abroad.